What are 4.3/10 Connectors?

The 4.3-10 connector system came into existence to replace 7/16 DIN connectors in wireless radio equipment and antennas. These connectors were developed to meet the needs of telecom companies who needed a smaller, lighter, easier to install and more reliable connector with low PIM. The 4.3-10 connectors operate up to 6 GHz as per the IEC 60169-54 interface standard but some companies offer products that operate up to 12 GHz. These connectors clearly outperform 7/16 DIN products as they are 40% smaller and 60% lighter in comparison to them and provide better PIM performance than 7/16 DIN products even when hand-mated.

There are three interface variations of 4.3-10 male connector - screw, quick-lock/push-pull and hand-screw, all three mating to a single universal female interface.

Screw type 4.3/10 connectors do not allow a free rotation of the cable. However, they can usually handle up to 5Nm of torque which makes them sturdy and resistant against opening when torque forces are applied on the cable. The mechanical stability of a mated connector pair is at the maximum for screw type couplings. Screw type 4.3/10 connectors are recommended for use in extreme climatic conditions.

Hand-Screw and Push-Pull type 4.3/10 connectors are designed to allow rotation of the cable. The hand screw connection can be opened during operation when a pulling and/or bending force is applied along with a torque force. The push-pull coupling mechanism by design does not open when torque forces are applied even in combination with bending and/or pulling forces. In terms of PIM performance, the screw type 4.3/10 connectors have the best PIM ratings followed by the Hand-Screw and Push-Pull connectors.

4.3/10 Connector Specifications:

• Interface Standard: IEC 61169-54
• Frequency Range: DC to 6 GHz but companies offer connectors up to 12 GHz
• Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Coupling Mechanism: Screw, quick-lock/push-pull, hand-screw coupling
• Mating cycles: ≥ 100
• Temperature range: −55 to +90 °C
• Compliance: IP-67 compliant

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